Truck



Aug. 18, 1936. A. LEHRMAN TRUCK Filed July 22, 1932 2 Smets-sheet 1 fwez? man,

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LP @y Aug. 18, 1936. 41 A. LEHRMAN Sheets-Sheet 2 TRUCK Filed July 22, 1932 Viaje/2X0?? .Patented Aug. 18,-- 1936 ,..PATENTI .ol-FICE 51,0110 'muon Leo A. Lehman, Chicago, lli., assignor to AAmcrlcan Steel Foundries, Chicago, lli., a corporation of New' Jem! appucauonmy zz, 1932, serial No. 624,003y 2s claims. (ci. 10s-glam) This invention pertains to truck construction, and more particularly to four-wheel trucks adapted particularly for high speed freight car 'use Desirable features for freight car trucks are economy, simplicity, lightness, strength and ease of maintenance', and these featuresare generally obtained within practical limitations on freight trucks now in use. However, present -freight car trucks are very deficient in easy riding qualities since the spring suspension usually consists only of coil springs which strike a -natural period of oscillation or vibration at some operating speed of the car. truck parts, car body and lading is violent and destructive andresuits in much 'damage to lading. Track or wheel irregularities, even-if very slight,`wil1 set up this oscillation and when the frequency with which these irregularities are,

' passed over agrees with the vibration period ofi the springs the motion ampliiles and continues; due to the lack -of dampening qualities in coil' springs. The motion may amplify to the extent of causing derailment ofthe truck.

Eilforts` have been made to improve this condition lby the use of frictional devices with the coil springs for the purpose of dampening the mo*- tion, but unless considerable friction is obtained they are not eifective enough and if suillcient friction is obtained the spring action becomes too stiff and lacks sensitivity. y

Passenger car trucks are generally easy riding, due to the use of both coil and elliptic leaf. springs in series, the coil springs'responding to the light,

quick shocks, the leaf springs to the slow, heavy.

impulses. Coil springs are quick and sensitive in response, leaf' springs relatively less so, partly due to frictional work absorption between the leaves. For this reason, and also b y providing coil and leaf springs of different natural vibration periods, they tend to dampen each others synchronous vibration without impairing free spring response.

series arrangement of coil and leaf springs gives good. riding qualities, it is in general undesirably heavy, costly and complicated for freight service. This is particularly due to the complete duplication of carrying capacity in both coil and leaf springs.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a car truck which provides good riding qualities and at the same time is economical toV -make and maintain, is simple and'light in con- The resulting motion imparted to Although the`usual passenger car` truck with struction, and fullls all requirements of manufacture and service.

Another object is to provide a car truck wherein springs of diiferent character are arranged so that each tends to dampen out the vibrations of 5 the other.

Still another object is to provide spring assemblies wherein there is provided softer cushioning action under light loads, while at the same time providing the necessary stiifness and calo pacity miden-'heavy loads, these features being combined also to provide a structure which reduces anytendency toward synchronous vibration of the springs.

A further object is toprovide a truck construc- 15T tion wherein a plurality of resilient members of diierent character are disposed with relation to each otherso that certain of the members are loaded by the other members to increase the amount of energy they will absorb.

A yet further object is to provide atruck-con-4 struction whereinthe load carrying member is supported on the side frame by resilient members of vdifferent characteristics and so arranged that certain of the resilient members support a greater portion of v`the load than other of the'resilient members.

A still different object is to provide a rigid truck construction embodying each or any of' the above advantages and wherein brake supporting means is disposed to permit the application ofthe truck to cars adapted for use in dumping .machines and the like.

A still further object is to provide a truck construction wherein resilient means' of different character are provided, certain of said means being carried intermediate the side frames, and certain of the means being arranged transversely of the truck.

With these and various other objects in view --thevinvention may consist of certain novel fea- Figure 3'is a" frlgmentary sectional end eleva- 55 n'.

tion of the form of truck construction shown in Figures 1 and 2, the section being taken substantially in the transverse center line thereof;

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional elevation of a modied form of truck construction, the same being taken substantially in the plane of the transverse center line of said truck.

In the truckvconstructions shown, the side frame l0 is of substantially truss construction provided with brake hanger brackets, and includes the tension member l2 and the compression member I4, said members merging adjacent the ends thereof as at i6 and being provided with suitable journal cooperating means such as the journal box I8 having cooperative relation with the journal endsof the wheel vand axle assemblies 20. The tension and compression members are provided with integral connecting columns 22 spaced to form the window 24, the portion 26 of the ten- -sion member between the columns forming a seat for the transverse` spring plank or transom 28, shown particularly in Figure 4. The member 28 vis provided with jaws 30 embracing the member 26, said member 28 being depressed as at 32 intermediate the longitudinal center line of the jaws -to form a coil spring seat 34.

The raised portionsadjacent the longitudinal center line and in thev window are provided with arcuate seats 36 and 38 for accommodating the ends of the semi-elliptic leaf Aspring assembly 48. Pockets 42 and 44 are provided adjacent the seats 36 and 38, end. walls 46 and 48 thereof serving as stops for the ends of the leaf spring assemblies. Suitable securing means, such as the bolt 50, is provided extending through the columns 22 and the spaced flanges l52 of the spring plank provided adjacent the seats 38. The semi-elliptic leaf spring is provided with the spring band 56, and coil springs 58 are disposed on the spring seat 34 and abut the underside of the leaf spring assembly 48 adjacent said spring band. The bolster 60 is provided with the center bearing 62 and the side bearings 64, said bolster having spaced seats 66 seating on the leaf spring assemblies 40, preferably in'vertical alignment with the coil springs 58 whereby there is a pinching action between the leaves; of the leaf spring assembly, thereby increasing the frictional absorption therebetween. Y

In the construction shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the spring plank 68 is provided with iaws 10 similar to 'the jaws 38 embracing the seat 26 of the side fra-ine I8. In this case, however, the spring plank is depressed as at 12 inwardly of the side frame -for the reception of a coil spring nest 14 positioned by a suitable dowel 15. A coil spring is disposed between the seat 12 and the semi-elliptic leaf spring assembly 16. 'Ihe ends of the leaf spring 16 rest on seats 18 similar to seats 38 in the planes of the side frames. The seats 18 are defined by pockets 88 similar to pockets 44, being defined by flanges 8| and 83, the stop 82 similar to the stop 48 being provided, and suitable securing means 50 are also provided. In this case the bolster 84 is provided with the center bearing 86 and the side bearings 88, and a spring seat 88 is disposed substantially beneath the side bearing and preferably in vertical alignment with the coil spring nest 14 whereby increased frictional absorptionis also obtained on the transversely arranged semi-elliptic leaf spring assembly 16, the assembly being provided with the It is to be understood that I do not wish to be semi-elliptic leaf spring having the ends thereof supported on said seats, a load carrying member supported on said spring at spaced points, and coil springs interposed between said spring plank and leaf spring and disposed in alignment with the points of support of said load carrying member on said leaf spring.

2. In a truck, the combination of 4 a side frame, a spring plank'seated thereon and having a spring seat, a transversely arranged semi-elliptic leaf spring having an end thereof supported on said.V seat, a load carrying member supported on said spring, and a coil spring supporting said` load carrying member on said side frame and disposed below the leaf spring and spaced from the center thereof and in vertical alignment with the point of support of said load carrying member and said` spring supporting said load carrying member on said spring plank and disposed below the leaf spring and spaced from the center thereof and in vertical alignment with the point of support of vsaid load carrying member and said leaf spring.

4. A spring plank having spaced supports, a depressed portion between said supports, a seat disposed on each side of the transverse center line of said plank, said seats being adapted to accommodate the ends of a commonl leaf spring, and a seat disposed intermediate said first named seats and 'on said depressed portion below said first named seats.

5. A spring plank having space supports and a seat disposed on each side of the transverse center line thereof, said seats being adapted to accommodate the ends of a common leaf spring, and a coil spring seat disposed between said other seats and below the same.

6. In a. truck, the combination of spaced side frames each having tension and compression members and connecting columns forming a window therewith, each tension member between said columns forming a seat, a connecting member disposed between said side frames and having jaws defining seat portions, said jaws being adapted to embrace said seats, whereby said seat portions are carried by said seats, leaf spring seats disposed on said connecting member substantially in the plane of said side frames, a semielliptic leaf spring having the ends thereof supported on said leaf spring seats, a load carrying member having spaced seats engaging said leaf spring whereby said load carrying member is supported on said leaf spring, said connecting member having coil spring seats in substantially vertical alignment with the seats on said load carrying member, and coil springs carried by said coil spring seats and disposed in supporting engagement with said leaf spring.

7. In a truck, the combination of spaced side semi-elliptic leaf spring having the ends lthereof.'

supported on said leaf spring seats, a load carrying member having spaced seats engaging said leaf spring whereby said load carrying member is supported on said leaf spring, said connecting member having coil spring seats in substantially vertical alignment with the seats on said load carrying member, and coil springs carried by said coil spring seats and;disposed in supporting engagement with said leaf spring.

8. In a truck, the combination of spaced side frames each having tension and compression members and connecting columns forming a window therewith, -each ,tension member between said columns forming a seat, a connecting member disposed between said side frames and having jaws defining seat portions, said jaws being adapted to embrace said seats, whereby said seat portions are carried by said seats-leaf spring seats disposed on said connecting member substantially in the planes of said side frames, end

' thrust members adjacent said leaf spring seats,

a semi-elliptic leaf spring having the ends thereof supported on said leaf spring seats, a load carrying member having spaced seats .engaging said leaf spring whereby said load carrying member is supported on said leaf spring, said connecting member having coil spring seats in substantially vertical alignment lvwith the seats on said load carrying member, and coil springs carried by said coil spring seats and disposed in supporting engagement with said leaf spring.

9. In a truck, the combination of spaced side frames each having tension and compression members and connecting columns forming a win'- dow therewith, each tension member between said columnsforming a seat, a connecting member disposed between said side frames and having jaws defining seat portions, said jaws.

being adapted to embrace said seats, whereby said seat portions are carried `by said seats, leafspring seats disposed'onI said connecting member substantially in the plane of said side frames, leaf spring seats disposed on said -connecting member intermediate the ends thereof, semi-elliptic leaf springs each having one end thereof disposed on said first named leaf spring seats and the other end thereof disposed on the second named leaf spring seats, a load carrying member having spaced seats engaging said leaf springs at spaced points` whereby said load carrying member is supported` on said leaf spring,-

said connecting member having coil spring seats in substantially vertical'alignment with thefseats on said load carrying member, and coil springs carried by said coil spring seats and disposed in supporting engagement with said leaf springs.

10. In a truck, the` combination of spaced side frames each having tension and compression, l members and connecting columns forming a win- I dow therewith, each tension member between said columns forming a seat, a connecting memf ber disposed between said side frames and having ,i'aws dening seat portions, saidjaws being semi-elliptic leaf spring having the ends thereof 6 supported on said leaf spring seats, a ybolster having spaced seats engaging said leafspring whereby said bolster 'is supported on said` leaf spring, said connecting member having coil spring seats in substantially vertical alignment l with theseats on said bolster, and coil springs carried by said coil spring seats and disposed in supporting engagement with said lleaf spring.

11. In a truck, the combination ofspaced side frameseach` having tension and compression members and connecting columns forming 'a window therewith, each tension member between said columns forming a, seat, a connectingmember disposed between said side frames and having jaws defining seat portions,` said jaws being adapted to embrace said seats, whereby said seat portions are carried by said seats, leaf spring seats disposedon said connecting member lsubstantially in the plane of said side frames, leaf 'spring seats disposed on said connecting mem- 25 ber Vintermediate theA ends thereof, semi-elliptic l leaf springs each having one end thereof disposed on saidflrst named leaf v'spring seatsand the other end thereof disposed on the second named leaf spring seats, a bolster having spaced seats engaging said leaf springs at spaced points whereby said bolster is supportedA on said leaf spring, said connecting member having coil spring seats in substantially vertical'. alignment with the seats on said bolster,l and coilsprings carried by said lcoil spring seats and disposed in supporting engagement with said leafy springs.

l2. `In a truck, the combination of rspaced side) frames each having -tension and compression members and connecting columns forming a 40 'window therewith, each tension member between said columns forming a seat, a connectingmember disposedbetween said side framesgand hav.- ing jaws deningseat portions, said jaws being adapted to embrace said seats, whereby said seat portions arecarried by said seats, leaf spring seats disposed on said connecting member substantially in the plane of said'side frames', vleaf spring seats disposed on said'connecting member intermediate the ends thereof, end thrust mem- 50 bers adjacent each f said leaf spring seats, semielliptic leaf springs each having one end thereof disposed on said irst named leaf spring Aseats and the other end thereof disposedon the second named leaf .spring seats, a load varrying 55 member having spaced seats engaging said leaf springs at spaced ypoints whereby said load carrying member is supported on said leaf spring. said connecting member having coil spring seats in substantially "vertical alignment with the seats o0 on said load carrying member, and coil springs carried by said coil spring seatsand disposed insupporting engagement with-said leaf springs. e 13. In a truck, the combination of spacedside frames each members and connecting columns/forming a window therewith, each tension -member between said columns forming'aseat, a connecting member disposed between' said side frames andlhaving jaws defining vseat portions, adaptedl to embrace saidv seats, whereby said seat portions are carried by said seats, leaf-f. spring seats disposed ,on said connecting member substantially in the planer of said sidc frames, a

sehn-elliptic leaf spring the ends there- .75'

ving? 'tension and compression c5' said jaws being of supported on said leaf spring seats, a load carrying memberhavlng spaced seats engaging said leaf spring whereby said -load carrying member is supported on said leaf spring, said connecting memberhaving coil spring. seats, and coil springs carried by said coil spring seats for supporting said load carrying member.

14.In a truck, v.the combination of spaced side frames each having tension and compression members and connecting columns forming a window therewith, each tension member between said columns forming a seat, a connecting member disposed between said side frames and hav-4 ing jaws defining seat portions, said jaws being adapted to embrace said'seats, whereby said seat.

portions are carried by said seats, leaf spring seats disposed on said connecting member substantially in the plane of said side frames,r leaf spring seats ber intermediatethe ends thereof, semi-elliptic leaf springs eachhaving one end thereof disposed on said first named leaf spring seats and the other end thereof disposed on the second named leaf spring seats. a load carrying member having spaced seats engaging saidleaf springs at spaced points whereby said load carrying member is supported'on said leaf spring. said connecting member liaving coil spring seats, and coil springs carried by said coil spring seats for supporting said load' carrying member. 15. In a truck, the combination of -spaced side frames each h avlng'tension and compression members and connecting columns forming a window therewith. said columns forming a seat, a connecting member disposed -between said side frames and having :laws defining seat portions, said jaws being adapted to embrace said seats, whereby said seat portions are carried bysaid seats. leaf spring seats disposedon said connecting member substantially in the plane `of said side frames, a semi-elliptic leaf of supported. "oni said leaf spring seats, a load carrying member having spaced seats engaging said leaf spring whereby said load carrying member is supported on said'leaLspring, and coil springs for supporting said load carrying memberl I a',

16. In. a truck, the combination of spaced side frames each having tension and compres-- sion members and connecting columns forming` a window therewith, each tension member bez-- tween said;` columns forming a seat, a connecting member disposed between said side frames and having .jaws denning seat portions, said jaws being adapted to embrace said seats, whereby said seat portions are carried by said seats, leaf spring seats, disposed on said connecting member substantially in the plane of said side frames, leaf spring seats disposed on said connecting member .intermediate the' ends thereof, semi-annuo leaf springs each having one end thereof A on said `iirst named leaf spring 'seats and the other end thereof disposed on the second named leaf spring seats, ak load carrying member having spaced seats engaging said leaf springs at spaced points-whereby` said load carrying member is supported on said leaf. spring. 4mid coil springsfor supporting said load carrying member.

17. In a truck, the combination of a side. frame, a spring plank seated on said side framea semielliptic leaf spring supported on said spring plank at a plurality of points, and a load carrying member supported on said leaf spring at a plurality of points and having center and side bearings.

disposed on said connecting memtension member between,

spring having the ends there- 18. Inga truck, the combination of a side frame. -a spring plank seated'on said side frame, a leaf spring supported on said spring plank at a plurality of points, and a load carrying membersupported on said leaf spring at a plurality of points intermediate said first named points and longitudinally of said spring, said load carrying` member having c enter and side bearings, said side bearing being disposed adjacent said. plurality of points.`

19. In a truck, the combination of a side frame. a spring plank seated on said side frame, a leaf spring engaging said spring of points longitudinally of said spring, a\v\load carrying member supported on said leaf' spring at a plurality of points, and coil springs interposed between said spring plank and leaf spring in substantially vertical alignment named points.

, 20. In a truck, the combination of a side frame, a spring plank seated on said side frame, a leaf spring supported on said spring plank at a plurality of points, a load carrying member supported onsaid leaf spring at a plurality of points intermediate said first named points, and coil springs interposed between said spring plank and leaf spring with said second named points.

21. In a truck, the combination of a side frame'. a spring plank seated on said side frame, a leaf spring engaging said spring plank at a plurality of points longitudinally of said spring, a load carryingmember supported on said 'leaf spring at a plurality of points, and coil springs interposed between said spring plank and leaf spring in substantially vertical'alignment with certain of said plurality of points.

i. 22. In a truck, the combination of a side frame,

mediate said mst named points, and con springs interposed between saidv spring plank and leaf spring in' substantially vertical alignment with certain of said plurality of points.

23. In a bolster, the combination of a body portionincluding an upper member having center .and side bearings thereon, depending side mem-- bers, and spaced substantially horizontally alignedleaf spring seats disposed on each side of saidcenter bearing-and within the substantially U-section formed, by` said upper and side .mem-

24.. In o pointer,^ the combination of a body portion including an upper member having center and sidebearings thereon, depending side members, and spac'd spring seats disposed on each side 60 of saidcenter bearing and within the substantially U-section formed by said upper and side members, one of each of saidpspaced seats being in substantially vertical. alignment with each of said side bearingathe others of said spring seats .n being between "said center and side bearings, sai/d spaced sets-icing in substantially horizontal alignme 25. A spring plank pair of spaced seats disposed on each side of the 'transverse centerline of said plank, one of eachpair of seats being in substantially vertical alignment with said supports. each of said seats being adapted to accommodate the ends of a leaf 75 plank at a plurality 15 with said second 20 in substantially vertical alignment 3o having spaced supports, a

transverse center line of said plankand above the major portion thereof, one of each pair of seats being in substantially vertical alignment with said supports, each of said seats being adapted t0 accommodate the ends of a leaf spring, and a spring seat for a coil spring on said spring plank disposed between each ot the pairs of said `iirsi:`

named seats.

' LEO A. LEHRMAN. 

